Static field route #613

What do I do before core drilling, sleeving, or cutting a deck/wall opening?

Cutting, Holes, Penetrations & Field FabricationHigh-risk starter answer — foreman/GC/project verification required

Stop until the opening is approved, located, and cleared. Verify the drawing, layout mark, slab/deck clearance process, structure, embeds, utilities, and foreman approval before any drill or saw starts.

Open in Field Rescue Open category

Field checklist

Confirm the exact location from approved drawings and field marks.
Check what is above, below, behind, or inside the cut.
Verify whether the wall/deck/roof/shaft/beam is structural, rated, waterproofed, post-tensioned, or shared with other trades.
Look for structural notes, embeds, inserts, PT warnings, beams, rebar/PT concerns, and GC/safety approval.

Ask foreman

I’m ready to core/sleeve this opening, but I don’t see a clear approval mark or clearance confirmation. Can you verify it is approved and clear before I drill?

Do not

Do not cut because the duct does not fit. Do not drill, core, notch, torch, or cut structural members without written/approved direction.

Why it matters

Approved drawings/specs; structural drawings; GC/foreman/safety approval; sleeve/firestop/waterproofing details; local code/AHJ

Search words: apprentice approval commercial core core drill deck drill foreman install opening penetration project sleeve verify wall wall opening core drill core drilling sleeve sleeving penetration deck wall opening approval drill sleeve core drill core drill